I think you've got it figured out already. After years of reading threads on XOC, it's pretty clear to me that all the add-on stuff does little for engine performance. The X's engine is what it is, and all the money and wishful thinking in the world isn't going to change that.
IMO, when people claim these items help their performance, their perception is helped along by the fact they just spent money, time, and effort installing it. They WANT to feel a difference...so they do. Put it on a dyno, then we'll talk.
But...playing devil's advocate, for $10 you have little to lose.
If you go for it, please let us know how it turns out.